Ellagic acid sources, health benefits and uses

Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring plant phytochemical that belongs to a class of beneficial compounds called polyphenols. The nutrients is commonly found in red fruits and berries such as cranberries, pomegranate, and strawberries. Raspberries are known to possess the highest levels of ellagic acid. Likewise, some nuts such as pecans and walnuts contain high ellagic acid concentrations.

A Phytochemicals article showed that ellagic acid in plants come in the form of ellagitannin, which is bound to a sugar molecule. Plants are known to produce the compound to ward off microbiological infection and pests. The compound is cream to light yellow crystalline solid in its pure form.

Medicinal uses for ellagic acid

Ellagic acid is best known for its protective properties against various types of cancer, according to an article posted on the Supplement Police website. A study published in 2015 has shown that the compound helped slow down the growth of breast cancer cells. Likewise, the nutrient is found to suppress the growth and proliferation of prostate cancer cells. A human study carried out in 2005 also demonstrated that ellagic acid may mitigate the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Ellagic acid helps the destruction of certain genes by binding with cancer-causing molecules and rendering them inactive. A previous study has indicated that the nutrient effectively reduces hepatic mucosal cytochromes and boosts some hepatic phase II enzyme activities, which in turn helps the tissues to detoxify the reactive agents. Ellagic acid offers strong protection against cancers of the esophagus, skin, colon, and pancreas.

The nutrient is found to promote heart health too. A Kyle Norton blog entry reveals that ellagic acid inhibits the expression of oxidized bad cholesterol and reduces the risk of developing heart disease. Likewise, a previous study found that ellagic acid helps reduce common carotid intima-media thickness and systolic blood pressure levels. The nutrient is also shown to effectively stem myocardial infarction.

The compound supports the digestive profile as well. Ellagic acid is shown to cut the levels of inflammatory cytokines and alleviate certain digestive conditions such as gastric ulcers and Chron’s disease. It also fortifies the liver and enables the organ to effectively rid the body of disease-causing substances. In addition, the compound is touted to enhance brain health and limit the adverse effects of trauma-induced brain injury.

Men also greatly benefit from the powerful nutrient. A past study has demonstrated that ellagic acid supplementation may help mitigate adriamycin-induced decline in testosterone concentration and relieve testicular apoptosis. The nutrient is also touted to improve oxidant/antioxidant balance and histopathological view of the testicular tissue. The compound is known to boost sperm quality as well.

Moreover, ellagic acid is valued for its potent analgesic properties that relieves various types of pain and inflammatory diseases. The nutrient is known to prevent declines in platelet activity and boost overall blood circulation too. Likewise, ellagic contains beneficial properties that improve the respiratory health and fend off a plethora of skin diseases. Ellagic acid also fortifies the immune system by inhibiting oxidative stress and the proliferation of pathogenic agents.

Body systems supported by ellagic acid

Ellagic acid prevents the onset of cancers that affects various parts of the body such as breast, esophagus, skin, colon and pancreas. Likewise, the compound is notably beneficial to the heart and overall blood circulation. The nutrient also protects the brain and the digestive tract. Ellagic acid promotes the immune system and men’s reproduction health as well.